ASOS is praised for using a plus size black model to show off a bikini

Shoppers have praised ASOS for using a black plus-size model to show off a yellow bikini in their curve collection.

Fans have been taking to Twitter to share pictures of Vivian Eyo-Ephraim, who is based in London, modelling the two-piece on the retailer’s website.

Many hailed the choice of model as a ‘positive step’ for the brand – with one person commenting ‘real bellies matter’.

Some suggested that other retailers should follow ASOS’s lead by using a more diverse range of models.

Sharing a picture of Vivian on Twitter, one shopper wrote: ‘YESSSSSSS CMON @ASOS’

Another added: ‘Yes @ASOS another good step in a positive direction.’

Vivian Eyo-Ephraim

Meanwhile, one person simply commented: ‘I mean this is how you sell a yellow bikini.’

Others said it was important for them to see themselves represented by retailers, and said other brands should follow ASOS’s lead.

One commented: ‘I appreciate when shops display realness and we don’t have to imagine how we’d look in them clothes. Beautiful. Thanks @ASOS.’

Another wrote: ‘Can we get our good sis paired up with other places too ??’

The yellow halterneck bikini is part of ASOS’s curve collection, with the top costing £14 and the bottoms priced at £12.

Following the reaction, London-based model Vivian – who is represented by the agency Bridge Models – thanked fans for their response.

Speaking to the Metro, she said: ‘The modelling world is still so new to me, to see the amazing support and response from a job I did is just incredible.

‘I couldn’t be more grateful to ASOS and Bridge for taking a chance on me and allowing me to show the world that everybody is beautiful, no matter what their shape, size or ethnicity.’

She added: ‘The world is a very diverse place and it’s important that consumers see brands representing and recognising all ethnicities, shapes and sizes, we want to see ourselves represented and celebrated and recognised.’